Thiamin Health

Thiamin, which is also known as vitamin B1, was the first B vitamin to be discovered. Scientists in the late 19th century noticed that animals fed a diet of polished rice developed the thiamin deficiency disease, beriberi, and that this could be cured by adding rice husks to the feed. In 1926, two Dutch scientists isolated pure thiamin, the active anti-beriberi agent in the rice. In the human body, thiamin is found in high concentrations in the muscles, heart, liver, kidneys and brain.

Benefits

Metabolism

Thiamin is part of an enzyme system known as thiamin pyrophosphate which is essential for nearly every cellular reaction in the body. It is involved in energy production and carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. It is vital for normal development, growth, reproduction, healthy skin and hair, blood production and immune function. Thiamin is also necessary for the metabolism of alcohol.

Brain and nerve function

Thiamin is particularly important for the normal functioning of nerves. It is necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which affects several brain functions including memory, and also maintains muscle tone of the stomach, intestines and heart.